Abstract:
This study aimed to develop a Virtual Reality cognitive training program (VRCTP) for enhancing the spatial intelligence of primary school students, and to
investigate the effect of the developed VR-CTP by comparing the accuracy score,
response time, and EEG absolute power before and after training with the VR-CTP
program, between genders and general intelligence levels. Sixty-eight students
attending Grade 5 at Anuban Chanthaburi School in academic year 2018 took part in
the study. They were screened and assigned to four groups (17 per group). The
experimental group underwent the VR-CTP training for 12 times (10 minutes each
time). The computerized version of Paper Folding Test, Card Rotation Test and
Mental Rotation Test were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by using the
Repeated ANOVA and 2-way MANOVA.
The results showed that VR-CTP consisting of two training activities (Maze
Walker and Construction Worker with six levels) were suitable. After training with the
VR-CTP, the results demonstrated that the experimental group had a higher score of
mean accuracy and a lower response time on a test of spatial intelligences. After
training, the male students had a higher mean accuracy score on the MRT task than
the female students, but the reaction time between male and female students was
not different. The students with a high general intelligence score had a higher mean
response accuracy score on the spatial intelligences test, and a lower response time
for the PFT task than students with a low general intelligence score. The EEG
absolute power for Alpha of the experiment group was increased after training in all
spatial intelligence tests at the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes, especially in the
female group. Meanwhile, the students with a high level of general intelligence had a
lower level of Alpha at the frontal lobe, and an interaction effect between gender
and general intelligence level was also found, revealing the benefits of continuous
practice with the VR-CTP.